ONIONS!

I pulled out the remaining onions from my garden beds so I can make room for compost and prep the soil. There were so many of them, I chopped them up and I am drying them out until they become flakes. This way there is no waste and I can use it for future use in soups and stews  :)

I Broke my Fear of the Pressure Canner!

Finally, I decided it was time I learn how to work the Pressure Canner without standing in a distance with a full face helmet on.
As with everything else, it's practice,practice,practice. And I will get better at it too. My first attempt was to make Spaghetti Sauce. This was time consuming since I was doing it from scratch, but well worth it  :) The sauce is a little soupy, but It will be better next time. Luckily I only made 3 Jars. The house still smells like garlic and roasted tomatoes I love it.

I'm so proud of myself. Big step for me :)

Broody Chicken

Well, since I am new at owning chickens I wasn't quite sure what it meant when a chicken goes Broody; that motherly desire to sit and incubate her eggs. Turns out my poor Leghorn is trying so hard at doing just that. I'm reading lots about this, and in my opinion, most of the suggestions I see don't seem to agree with me. Some sound a little cruel even. Not something I could do to mine, especially because they are my pets. But separating her to a cooler area seemed like my only option if it gets to a point where it will cause a disruption.
It's been nearly two weeks now and so far I've had no problems at all. She hasn't shown any signs of aggression like most chicken owners say. And I do remove any egg that's in there as soon as possible.
There is no bullying with the others, and I have no trouble taking her out of the nesting box with my bare hands. The only difference is that she will scream like a little dinosaur when I get near her :D
I take her out twice a day so she can drink and eat, and that she does for about 10-15 minutes, then heads back inside.
I don't see it as a nuisance like many do. Maybe because I got lucky :)  But I like to think that maybe it's because she gets tons of love and attention and I pet and handle her every day.
This will pass in a few weeks. And unfortunately she will not lay during this time but that can be a good thing since the eggs accumulate fairly quickly. Poor thing is so dedicated...

Garden Time :)

A weekend full of gardening is exactly what I needed  :) The sun was out, breezy and warm. Turned my compost and soil, did some clipping, trimming, prepped my seed trays and picked fresh Broccoli, Onions, Lettuce, Carrots and Cauliflower :)

I can say that despite the loss of some veggies due to the frost I still have enough to keep food on the table. I've made the best tasting salad, now I can steam my Broccoli and Carrots, or get creative and make various Soups.
In my trays I planted Tomatoes, Corn, Beets (for pickling), Garlic, Zucchini, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cucumbers, Peanuts, Beans and Peas. Lots more work ahead but I'm enjoying every moment spent in that garden. I am learning more as I go....or grow  :)

"A garden is never so good as it will be next year."-- Thomas Cooper

Fresh Carrots!

Well, my Fall crops are mostly done, My Lettuce, Onions and Carrots are delicious! What a difference in taste compared to store-bought :)

Finally the danger of frost has gone, but I worry about my grape vine, since it's dormant and dead-looking. I need to learn about the whole pruning process for it.
I started cleaning out sections of the garden and making room for the next batch  :)  On my list are Melons, Beets, Zucchini,Cucumbers and Tomatoes, just to name a few. I am thinking of growing Peanuts this time.
My composted chicken waste will most definitely help enrich my soil. Looking forward to getting my hands dirty again!

Busy Weekend

The weather was great this weekend, spent time with my dogs, took some sun while I cleaned out the garden and did some baking. Some of my favorite things to do  :)

My dill plant has grown so much, I trimmed half of it and set it out to dry. I had a cute surprise in my garden too, i could see Cauliflower and Broccoli peeking through their leaves  :)

I made an awesome vinaigrette recipe to go with my garden lettuce and endive. It was the best Salad ever! I also made mini loaves of banana-nut bread, must not waste the over-ripened bananas!

Some Comfort Food

Ahhhh Soup, what's a better way to keep warm and cheer yourself up.

Now that my Curly Endive are Ready and dying to come out of the garden, what can I do other than tossing it with other types of lettuce for salads?....hmmm. Looked up recipes for Curly Endive and saw Curly Endive and Bean Soup! Never thought about using leafy greans in soup but I HAD to try it. There's only so much salad I can eat!
This is Delicious, Healthy and SO easy!
~You can play around with this recipe, add other types of beans or vegetables and rice. I added roasted tomatoes  :) Very Hearty
* Of course I omitted the Ham. NO Meat Here!

Recipe Here

While I Wait..

I've been doing a lot of thinking, especially after the holidays, the New Year is here, new projects in line, new beginnings are ahead.
While I wait impatiently for my dad to wake up I try to occupy myself with little projects. Anything to keep me from feeling sad and hopeless.
While looking around my place for something new to do, I came across a few rocks I've collected here throughout the years. That's something I've always liked to do. Everywhere I go I always find a rock. It's not a hobby, I just find them in places that I have visited. Like taking a part of that place with me, Like a souvenir.
As a child I remember going on a classroom field trip and asked my mom for money so I could buy a souvenir. I remember her telling me to take a piece of nature, either a stick, a rock, or some leaves...she said it would last much longer and be more meaningful. Boy was she right :)
Today I have a nice collection of rocks and wood from places I've visited. Some driftwood from California, Lava Rock and Pyrite(fool's gold) from Arizona, Unique ones from various lakes and creeksides from places I have hiked, One from far below in the Grand Canyon, and Red Rocks with soft Sand from Sedona. Mostly rocks that have a special shape to them, or some that simply stand out.
One I especially like, I call it the dinosaur egg. My mom loved this one when she visited. I admit I had many rocks decorating my front yard at the last home, I brought every one of them with me when I moved! They're beautiful and timeless  :)

Tragedy Strikes my Family

I often write about my mom, and dedicated this blog to her, she inspired me to do what I do, a gentle soul who always saw the brighter side of things. I previously wrote about how I cherish my family, and during the holiday season is when I miss them most.

I haven't mentioned my dad, until now. My dad, he's my hero. My dad looked out for us, and at times seemed negative but he always meant well and wanted us to succeed. It's so much clearer to me that all he wanted was what's best for us.

Life has changed tremendously since our mom passed. Dad moved away to his hometown to start his life over. He has found love and happiness again. I miss him.

This Christmas was going to be the best one for me. My dad wanted to surprise me by flying into AZ with my sister and nephew. They did good since I was clueless that they had been planning this for months. My dad never flew, he was afraid to. But he wanted to do this for me :)

I was so excited to have my sister and her son visit me for a whole week  :) I worked so hard in my home to accommodate them and try to make their stay comfortable. I was counting the days now...

Until I received a phone call early that morning. My sister had to tell me something she dreaded. My dad had been in an accident on the road. Although she told me he survived it I totally lost focus when she told me that he had been on his way to her house so they could take their flight together. To see ME. My dad was coming to surprise me! :( 
I felt like I had been stabbed. I lost my focus and broke down into tears when she told me how seriously hurt he was.

When we were reassured that our dad would survive, but be coma induced for a while, we decided that she take her trip to see me anyways. I needed family with me right NOW. I felt so alone and helpless.

This was not a time of rejoicing or celebration. Our thoughts were somewhere else. I started feeling guilt. All this emotion made me lose track of time too. Despite the circumstances we did try to enjoy our time together and share a few laughs.

But being grateful, THAT, we were. We kept thinking how much worse it could have been. Even his doctors were amazed that he had survived. Counting our blessings. That's what this trip was about. We talked on the phone every night to get updates.

My dad is still heavily sedated,10 days later. Many broken bones and a very long healing journey ahead. I can't believe he was supposed to spend the week here with me. I am grateful, for his life has been spared. I wish him a fast recovery. Life is so fragile. It will be a tough year ahead. But we got a miracle to start us off on the right track this new year.
Wishing him a speedy recovery, I love you Dad.

My Christmas Meaning

Today I can't help but think what matters most. Seems like this year flew right by. I get nostalgic during this time.
I'm missing my loved ones.
We didn't grow up in a religious environment. And I truly believe that Christmas can be celebrated without Religion.
I don't need religious convictions to enjoy the holiday season
For me, this time is a celebration of family,sharing,charity,and good will toward men. 
But really it's something we should All believe in, All year.
Today is the fist day of winter,
MERRY WINTER SOLSTICE TO ALL!

Holiday Family Time

Although this year I am unable to spend Christmas with my whole family, I am so happy that my sister and nephew will be flying in on Christmas Day from Montreal to visit with me for one week  :)
I am excited to decorate and prep my home to make their stay enjoyable and comfortable.
My Christmas tree is beautiful, it makes the biggest difference in my living room. I look forward each evening to turn on all the decorative lights! It's so Festive!
I am really excited about spending some time with them. We always have a lot of fun together.
I am hoping we will get to do a bunch of fun stuff, visit a few places and spend quality time.
The weather has been fabulous here, and hoping it won't cool down too much.
This will be the first time my family will see my home. I worked so hard to make it cozy and welcoming.
We will have our Christmas dinner on the 27th.
What I especially hope is that time won't fly by, but as always with my family, it usually does.

Doggie Treat Bake Day!

For the last several years around this time I make and bake dozens of dog treats. This year I was in the company of some great friends. Lots more fun in the company of other dog lovers. We got creative and silly, all while listening to some Christmas music, which made it more festive.

My dogs were hanging around smelling and waiting patiently, flour must have been flying everywhere since my little one ended up having flour all over her snout. It was a good time.
I imagine the cookies turned out good since the dogs all approved  :)

Biscuits à Jam

That's what we call them back home, or Thumb Print Cookies as they call it here.

I remember my grandma making these when I was young. I've always wanted to make these but just now decided to finally try it. What a treat! these are so good! Perfect for this time of year too.
I chose Strawberry preserves to fill. YUMMY!

Baby Bird

There's something rewarding about saving a baby bird.
This little guy flew in my window, but luckily no major damage was done but he was a little shaken. I took him inside and placed him in my fleece vest pocket for a little while to keep him warm. Then I brought him outside and opened up my hand and he sat there for a few seconds then bounced up and flew away.  :)  He did turn to me at first as if thanking me...  :) At least that's what I'd like to think.

This little guy is Arizona's State bird, the Cactus Wren  :)

Frosty is Coming to Town

Tonight will be the coldest yet, frost warnings throughout the valley, and plenty of snow up north just a few towns away.

Later today I will cover up my fragile veggies with blankets and sheets.I am concerned mostly about my chickens but I am told if they have shelter, they should be fine. I have noticed that they do huddle together and when they sit they cover their feet and hide their heads underneath their wings.

A Great Find!

Found me a nice long vintage couch at a yard sale. Very comfortable and sits nicely on my back patio. I love the fact that I can split it too.

Eventfull Long Weekend

I love the fact that I got everything done that I set out to do and more over the long weekend. I now have a fresh coat of paint in my kitchen, and managed to paint the concrete floors in the bedrooms too (while I wait to replace it with wood flooring) Looks much more attractive. That's on top of my regular household chores.

But I wasn't expecting to deal with my dog's bad luck. My old Fat Guy who is about 15 had what I think could be a mild stroke last week, partially paralizing his hind legs. I didn't want to rush to the vet instead, keep him comfortable in his own home with pain medicine and I carefully observed him.
Thankfully he got better within 2 days. I have no clue what happened or why, but at his age with arthritis and his obesity I can expect some issues.
And just as he seems like he had found his youth again he decided to catch a bee....and eat it! :(  his jaw swelled up quickly and within a half hour he had a severe allergic reaction to the bee sting which caused him to tremble and yelp. His eyes were changing, I thought he was going into seizures and die in my arms.
He kept digging his head into my side, as if demanding comfort. Poor old guy, I felt helpless until I remembered to give him allergy medicine and sure enough, within an hour he was fast asleep. He looked much more comfortable.
He woke up refreshed with a wagging tail. He also got his huge appetite back.
I guess I can be thankfull that this happened while I had the opportunity to spend time with him.
My hens were cackling up a storm too, the loudest they've ever been! I'm beginning to think that one of them thinks she's a rooster. But ohhhh what good eggs they deliver.
Yep, Eventfull 4 day weekend.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr

The cold has settled in. It was a long warm season this year, now getting into the beat of this crispness will take some time but I've been ready.
I brought out my winter blankets and warm clothes a few weeks back. I do love putting on my warm fleece jacket when I get out early in the morning to visit my garden and chickens  :)
The dogs enjoy this weather too, they run around the yard and play lots more. The hens also seem perkier. But that may be because they have started laying  :D
We got some rain yesterday and filled up my rain barrels once more :)
I am looking forward to a 4 day weekend for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Fresh Eggs

My First Egg!

Finally after much anticipation! I was thinking my hens were defective or something.
Late morning yesterday I was in for a big surprise. I feel so lucky I was there to witness it.
My poor hen sounded like she was screaming as if being tortured, I ran to the pen and saw her flying out of the coop poor thing, she must have been wondering what was happening to her!

I hurried to the coop and saw the prettiest little beige egg sitting there all alone!  :)  I was so excited I was yelling "I got an Egg!" several times...
I know the neighbors heard me.

I picked it up and snapped a quick picture before bringing it indoors.
This little egg was healthy with a strong shell. And it was yummy too!
Here's to the start of my egg collecting!
*UPDATE
This hen just laid another one this afternoon :)  I knew she was prepping because she was nesting in the coop looking quite uncomfortable just a little earlier.

About the Chickens

Well another lesson learned. Looks like the hens weren't getting enough sunlight, which is the reason they haven't started laying yet. The days are shorter, therefore I will need to place artificial lighting at least 2 hours before they go to bed.

I found out they need 16 hours of daylight, so I removed the bamboo shading and all this light is coming in the pen, they seem so much happier now since they can see the whole back yard  :)
Now lets see some eggs!

I Miss You Mom

Mom I love you and thank you for all you did for me
and I hope someday I make you proud for whatever comes to be
Wish you were here, I miss you so much
no one even knows what I would give for just one touch
Mom, I miss you so very much, especially today

Being Thankfull

We didn't do Thanksgiving growing up. We've always been thankful for being able to make time to be together, any time of year.

I give thanks daily for what I have. I am greatful for my wonderful family and all the little blessings that surround me.

Where's the Ghoulish Spirit?

Seems like Halloween has faded with the years.
When I was little, I remember Halloween being such a huge deal.

It was such an exciting time back then, with decorations everywhere, carved pumpkins by each doorstep, tons of kids were all over the streets with one of a kind costumes and the candy was the real deal.

Where's the creativity these days? The costumes today are just plain horrible! not to mention expensive.
Little girls look like (?!!!^%$#) and boys, whatever new action figure that just hit the theaters.
Where are the Witches,Pirates,Princesses,Draculas,and Ghosts?

I noticed older kids come to my door, some taller than me! and they come back for more! you don't see carved pumpkins much anymore, and if you forgot to bring your pumpkin indoors you will find it smashed to pieces all over the street the next morning :(

Kids are not allowed to wear costumes in school,and trick-or-treaters go to organized events more than door to door.
What happened? Have people become too paranoid?
Aren't parents ruining the fun for their kids?
Ok, we'd hear stories of tampered candy but it never stopped us from trick or treating! Our parents verified all our bags, today parents steal all the good candy!

Maybe I've lost my Ghoulish Spirit this year,maybe the overpowering Christmas Decorations in all stores has turned me off completely...

This year, I decided to leave everything in my Halloween Bin.
There won't be any treats at my doorstep. And No tricks either.
Maybe next year It will be different.

But I will NOT pass up the opportunity to bake some really good pumpkin cookies and roast some yummy seeds :)

* UPDATE.
I gave in. I did Halloween only because it was for the kids and I started feeling guilty.

Harvest Festivals

I have one memory that comes to mind around this time. On a crisp autumn morning going to the country to visit my mom and dad. It would take nearly 2 hours from the city; you had to drive through some small towns. I can almost smell the air, with the landscape already displaying fall colors. What a treat to see the rows of pumpkins from the road. I recall one place we'd stop at, An outdoor market full of fresh produce.
On special occasions we'd get mom flowers, and during the holidays a fresh cut Christmas tree.
There was also a fair we could go to, go visit the horses and other farm animals, sit on a pic-nic table and have a snack to eat.
I miss those days, and I miss the simplicity of it all.
You could meet the farmers and have a sample of their baked goods.
By the apple orchards you could help yourself to a bag of freshly picked apples and leave your money in a box.

The Harvest Festivals here just aren't the same, thousands of miles away.

Dried Sweet Basil

I love the smell of Basil :) Basil has done very well in my garden. I was a little sad to snip the stems but it was time. Parts of it had started to flower.
I cleaned them and laid them out to dry under a cloth. Its been several days now, and this morning it is ready to crumble.
Dried Basil, great for sauces, mixed with olive oil and Pesto! Yummy!

Heat Be Gone

Well this is the perfect weather! The heat has gone now and the veggie garden has come to life! My Lettuce and Endive look perky and happy. The extended heat wave and damaging winds with hail wilted everything a while back, and I was worried about losing them. But this morning It felt good to see everything bouncing back. Gets my day started in the right mood :)

Loving October

It's October now, some heavy rains and hail have come through the Valley in the last 2 days and did lots of damage. The bamboo covering in my garden has caved in due to the heavy hail, the baby veggies, flattened. The yard, flooded. There are pine cones and branches everywhere. What a mess! The chickens ran for cover poor things, they're lucky to have a nice place to keep dry.


Just as I was feeling a relief from the heat this had to happen :( My concern was my veggies mostly, but it's not as bad as it first looked. Hopefully they will recover, while the rest of the place dries up. I'm very happy about the rain though, my rain barrels over flooded :)

The dogs were definitely excited about running in the mud and bringing it all over the house....

Well at least there was no Major damage and all ended with a beautiful double rainbow :)

Seasonal Changes

It's looking like we are done with the triple digits, some relief at last! this will surely help in the garden. I have beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots, broccoli and brussel sprouts that will soon be ready for transplant. This weekend I prepped the garden beds and formed mounds. I am beginning to think that my veggies are doing better in containers, I am almost afraid to move them in their new home :( The last transplant didn't work. Crossing my fingers and toes here...

My favorite Herb

Or at least one of my favorites :)
Summer Savory!
I just LOVE that smell! it gives everything so much flavor :)
It's so peppery and pungant.
I already ran out of it so I ordered more seeds and recieved them today!

End of Summer Compost

This year has been the hottest summer on record. Im so glad it's over. I'm Looking forward to spending more time outdoors in the garden. One good thing about this blazing heat is the result of my composted materials in the tumbler.
All the kitchen waste, plant clippings, newspaper, and chicken droppings gave me this wonderful dirt :D
I spread it all over my young vegetable plants for added nutrients.

Autumn has Arrived...

Today is the first day of Fall, and I can already feel a slight crispness in the air, Its my favorite season, and mornings are my favorite time of the day. My vegetables seem to have more life too. It's looking more promising in the garden :)
My chickens seem happier, their peeps and chirps have long gone, but their clucking
is a welcoming change. Soon I should have little surprises in their nesting boxes...

Autumn is renewal, it's a time where I reflect on small changes that need to be made. Both in my life and what surrounds me. I get craftier and more physical. This is where I think back at the times we'd go for long walks everyday with our dogs in the park and be in awe of the changing colors of the trees.

My sister, my best friend. I miss her. She has always been there for me, through it all. Although miles keep us apart she is still here, close to my heart. We've been through good and bad together. She has always been my rock. We've shared our secrets, lived together for years before I moved far away. Our dogs were our world, and still are. We have lost some, and cried together.
And today, her loving dog is ill, and will not be there to see the winter.

I hate to spend Autumn alone in this part of the world, knowing a part of me is feeling sadness today, and unable to be there for her. Sometimes renewal is good. Sometimes it is forced upon us. But this year Autumn will not be the same.

Baby Tomato

Dull Chairs with a New Life

A pair of plastic chairs were tossed in the trash down the street. I brought them home and I decided to paint them in pastel colors. All they need is a colorful matching pillow to be complete :) Now I have chairs to sit on in my garden.

My Pies turned out quite Tasty :)

Apple Pie Memoreis

Nothing beats the smell of homemade apple pie this time of year. The delightful smell of cinnamon brings back so many memories of my parent's home in the country.

Us siblings would take a drive up there to spend the weekend and make pies all weekend. Mom had lots of apple trees on her property.
There was no recipe, just us sisters and mom playing in the dough and slicing apples for hours...the fun we had, always laughing together.

We would cover all counter space with dozens of pies, enough for all of us to bring several back home. Then we'd bundle up, gather around the bonfire outside and joke all night. I really miss those days.
I miss my mom most around this time.

I haven't made an apple pie since her passing. I am thinking maybe this weekend that I should. And let that aroma take over my kitchen, like it did in hers.

Another Saved Treasure

It makes my heart smile when I save an old piece that could have been trash and forever gone in some landffill. when I find such timeless treasures I get anxious about getting started because I can see the potential immediately. I have used my sander and various tools on many, many pieces that came through my home, but this chair looks like it will be my most challenging project yet.

I cannot wait to see the stylish result of this piece! I can already see it sitting pretty in my room. :)

The Enchanted Forest :)

An Escapade worth Blogging about

I am feeling nostalgic...
Last week I visited a very dear person in my life.
A few days away from the arid heat did me tons of good :)
A spontaneous trip to California is exactly what I needed!
The oceanscapes and lush green coastline seemed to have triggered my creativity, something that has been dormant for some time. Hmm maybe it was the ocean air or fog. :D

I am itching to do something productive, other than gardening. I am even thinking about re-arranging this blog, since I have lots more going on than gardening.I want to make it more exciting and creative.

Come Autumn I always get this way, even in the kitchen. I'll take out my sewing machine, restore an old piece of furniture, or paint and redecorate. I've already started sorting my fabrics so I can make something special that reminds me of my trip.

My special friend is such a beautiful soul, thank you Collette, for having me in your wonderful, peaceful home.You inspire me to do and be more!

Know Your Bugs!

One thing I am learning here in the garden ~ Know your bugs! Some are beneficial, most not. As I tear away at my poor watermelon that has been infested, I can't help but feel hopeless as to how to control this nuisance. I knew I should have planted my potent herbs with them! I never had that problem before when I did. AAARRRGGG!

I fed my chicks some bugs I shouldn't have. They should have stayed right there on my plants to munch away at the bad ones. :( But the chicks didn't complain :D

Oh well... I now have a picture list of good and bad bugs I've seen in my garden, learned a little about them, and keeping a close eye on any new intruder.

Learning lesson indeed!

~although I like to keep track of everything in photos here, I really didn't think it was necessary to take pictures of those nasty things :D

Seed Starting

OK, this is an exciting time for me! :) I started my seeds from starter trays and various pots and bowls. One very practical way to do this was to make my own pots from newspaper! So easy I wish I'd thought about this earlier. And since the newspaper is biodegradable you can simply transplant it in the ground and it will disintegrate.
I did this with my Fava beans and it worked out perfectly.
Also, I covered some bowls with saran-wrap to promote humidity, helping keep soil moist while seeds sprout, like a mini greenhouse :)

In the last few weeks I've done a lot of tilling and extending my raised beds for my winter crops.
This season I decided on Beans, Peas, Corn, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Endive and Onions. I also want to do some companion planting with herbs, instead of having an Herb-Garden only, I chose to pair herbs with vegetables that are compatible, in order to help the garden thrive and keep pests away.

I watch my pots closely each day waiting to see the first sprout :)

Prickly Pear Jelly

Making Jelly this week, this time with a special fruit called Cactus Fig, or the Prickly Pear. This time of year you can see them everywhere even along the highways. They grow wild throughout the southwest. A really pretty sight.

This is new to me, I was excited about trying a new type of jelly, so off I went with a bucket and some tongs and kindly asked a neighbor if I can grab some of that really bright red fruit. His front yard is full of that cactus.

Good thing I read about handling and processing them or else I would have ended up with really sore fingers. There's a reason it's called prickly pear cactus!

This was labor intensive, but luckily with my juice extractor I saved some time.
And I am pretty proud of the results! The taste resembles really sweet kiwi fruit.
I think I will be taking my bucket and tongs again this weekend and see if I can make lots more so I can enjoy this jelly when the fruit isn't available. What a waste to let the fruit die off the cactus.

And I will definately bring my neighbor a jar filled with the yummy stuff he kindly let me have.

Uninvited Guests

Little Green Inch Worms.... or "Cabbage Loopers", a member of the moth family. When I first noticed one inching away on one of my zucchini leaves I thought it was cute so I let it be... mistake! Until I read about them.
They are a pest in my garden! This is the first time I notice intruders on my plants. Quite destructive too. And I had no clue they laid eggs on the underside of the leaves either. Eeeeewwww!
So that made me dissect the whole place, making sure I removed each one of them. There were tons. This morning it really wasn't bad, just found 2 of them. I need to stay on top of this and make sure they don't invade.
Caterpillars feed on tender leaves, causing skeletonization and defoliation. Luckily my plants don't seem too affected by them. One good thing though my chickens think they are quite the treat!
I wonder if I had planted garlic or other natural insect repellents among my crops would it help keep them away? hhmmmm.....something I'll have to try.

My Pretty Rooster (Before & After)

My dear friend Penny gave me this great gift! A decorative concrete Rooster!
All it needed was a bit of glue and some paint and tada!
I was excited to place my new rooster in the pen but THAT was a big mistake! My poor chickens were terrified!! I can't help but laugh now, if only I had a video of this.
I had to remove it and place it outside the pen, that way it can keep the other little birds away from the chick feeder.

Garden Extension

More work ahead, this is what has been keeping me busy on the weekends.
I can't believe how well my garden is doing, now I want to expand it and surround myself with more fresh garden veggies. My broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel Sprouts are in my seed starter trays, and will soon be transplanted in their new home.
Now if I can finish these beds before the end of the month I just may plan another short road trip :)

Sidney My Co-Pilot

Road Trip

I've been feeling a little stuck in the house for some time now, Lots getting done at home though, but I thought I could take a short break. I think I actually needed it.
Why not an escapade up north with my dog to visit a friend I haven't seen in a while! I got tired of letting my household duties stop me from going anywhere.

There's something about getting away that just makes things better. A clearer mind, well rested, the sense of freedom when driving on the open road, taking a long walk and catching up with a friend. It was really nice to get away, even for just a day. I hope to go there again in the fall where I can enjoy the autumn colors :)

I'm always in awe of the winding mountain roads and canyons here. I could never get tired of the views. And having the company of my baby girl Sidney made the trip even better. She loves going for drives.

August Memories

I can't help but think back, every year around this time I get nostalgic. I am a year older...
Back home this time of year meant summer was closing in and school would soon begin. People prepping for the winter months ahead. Evenings were a little cooler. Time to bring out our warm sweaters.

But there's one event that comes to mind. Cornfest!

August is time to celebrate the corn harvest! I remember the huge bags full of corn selling for a couple of dollars by the side the road near the farmers's corn fields.
Local corn filled the supermarkets everywhere.
I could live off that stuff for days :)

Small surrounding towns all have some type of Cornfest. Music, Games,Bonfires, Drinking and having a great time with friends and family. All fun. I really miss that.

Maybe once I get my corn growing I could have my own little cornfest in my yard :)

August is very different in Arizona. It's like an extra month of extreme heat.
I feel like there's only 2 seasons here, summer and fall.
Now I look forward to September and October...

Baby Pine Tree

A baby pine tree has sprouted near my big pine. :)
I scooped it up and will let it get stronger then I will plant it somewhere in the front yard

Prepping for Fall Gardenning

August is here! my favorite time of year has started!

I have big plans for my garden. I hope to expand it in time to plant all my fall veggies. I will attempt brussel sprouts and broccoli this time. I can't wait to get started!

I had a busy weekend, between making Jam, cleaning the chicken pen & coop, mowing, raking the mess the rain left in the yard on top of household chores...I still made time to turn my garden soil. This is labor intensive but worth the hard work.

It was messy, and it was hot. The soil had become hard and packed in after the rains so I mixed in some organic compost and Steer manure. It was nice and fluffy once all done. Of course there's still more to do but gotta save some for next weekend. This is why I look forward to weekends.

Getting my hands dirty.... :D doesn't get better than that!

"When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, There is always the garden."-- Minnie Aumonier

Rainy Day in the Garden

A moment of Quiet

I like to sit on the rocking chair on the back patio and look at the progress in the yard. This weekend was extra special because it rained :) I love watching the rain.
This week will be one year since I first got the keys to my home.
How time flies
So much has been done, I love my little nest and I LOVE my garden!

Yummy Jams!

What a perfect day to make Jam with a friend!
This would have been a very long Jam session if it weren't for the help.
Thanks Liseanne!
Everything went smoothly, we had a great time, it wasn't as messy as it could have been, and the jams taste awsome!
A few things I could have done differently but all in all I think it was a success!
I think my house will smell like berries for some time...